Every school year, the cycle continues, and we hear at least one of these types of stories. Well, here we are again and this time we find ourselves repeating the cycle in Florida.
Kiara Hudson, from Jacksonville, FL, claimed that her son’s school, Christian Heritage Academy, forced Austin Garrick to cut his hair in order to attend class. The third-grade student was reportedly sent home on the third day of school and asked to cut his high-top fade which allegedly went against the school dress code.
“…they sent home a letter explaining if I didn’t cut his hair, he couldn’t return back to school,” Hudson said in an interview with News4Jax. “They sent me the policy and she basically highlighted ‘distracting and fad hairstyles. I think they should consider everyone in this policy, meaning all races, all textures of hair. Actually, think about, is this distracting the children from learning? I can understand different color hair — blue, red — however, the type of haircut you have shouldn’t determine whether you’re learning in class or not.”
The school dress code states:
Hair must be clean and neatly combed. For boys, length should be above collar, mid-ear, and above eyebrows. Hairstyles should be appropriate and consistent with good grooming and in no way a distraction to instruction. Fad hairstyles featuring different colors, unusual figures or designs cut in the hair, or ponytails on boys are not acceptable. Hair styles which are short in one area and long in another are not acceptable. Hair styles which draw attention to the student or cause them to stand out are not acceptable. Caps and hats are not to be worn inside the buildings.
With these types of stories becoming more and more common than not, do you think that the schools have a point or are they singling out minority students because of their natural hair? Sound-off, we want to hear from you!
